Wireless networks can leave you vulnerable to cyber-attacks if the network is not properly secured. Joining unknown public Wi-Fi networks can be dangerous. Here are some risks and tips on Wi-Fi cyber security. The first risk you should be aware of is evil twin attacks.
“In an evil twin attack, an adversary gathers information about a public network access point, then sets up their system to impersonate it. The adversary uses a broadcast signal stronger than the one generated by the legitimate access point; then, unsuspecting users connect using the stronger signal. Because the victim is connecting to the internet through the attacker’s system, it’s easy for the attacker to use specialized tools to read any data the victim sends over the internet. This data may include credit card numbers, username and password combinations, and other personal information. Always confirm the name and password of a public Wi-Fi hotspot prior to use. This will ensure you are connecting to a trusted access point.” (CISA).
This is a specialized type of attack utilizing public networks. There are more broad sweeping risks to joining public networks as well.
“When wireless devices in a network are "open" or unsecured, they're accessible to any Wi-Fi-enabled device, such as a computer or smartphone, that's within range of their wireless signals. Using open or unsecured networks can be risky for users and organizations. Adversaries using internet-connected devices can collect users' personal information and steal identities, compromise financial and other sensitive business data, "eavesdrop" on communications, and more.” (Cisco).
A way to prevent evil twin and other types of Wi-Fi cyber-attacks is by restricting access and encrypting data.
“Only allow authorized users to access your network. Each piece of hardware connected to a network has a media access control (MAC) address. You can restrict access to your network by filtering these MAC addresses.” (CISA). “Encrypting your wireless data prevents anyone who might be able to access your network from viewing it. There are several encryption protocols available to provide this protection. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), WPA2, and WPA3 encrypt information being transmitted between wireless routers and wireless devices. WPA3 is currently the strongest encryption.”
VPNS are another useful tool in Wi-fi cyber security.
“They allow users to create secure, identity-protected tunnels between unprotected Wi-Fi networks and the internet. A VPN can encrypt a user's internet connection. It also can conceal a user's IP address by using a virtual IP address it assigns to the user's traffic as it passes through the VPN server.” (Cisco).
Overall, use caution when joining Wi-fi networks in public, and be proactive in protecting your home Wi-fi network. Cyber criminals are always on the prowl, so protect yourself as best you can with the methods discussed.
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Sources:
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/wireless/what-is-wi-fi-security.html#~q-a
https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/securing-wireless-networks
